IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Dhirendra Kumar; Nahid Anjum; Shweta Singh; Abhishek Sengupta; Asim Sarfraz; Sayan Bhattacharyya

Volume : VIII, Issue : II, February - 2019

Isolation of Fungus from Hospital Environment and Equipments in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

Dhirendra Kumar, Nahid Anjum, Shweta Singh, Abhishek Sengupta, Asim Sarfraz, Sayan Bhattacharyya

Abstract :

Objectives: To assess the degree of fungal contamination in hospital environments. Methods – Airborne microbial concentrations was monitored in various environments in the hospital. Sampling was performed with a passive settle plate methods and with the help of sterile cotton swab for surfaces sampling. The total fungal concentration was determined by 2–5 days after sampling. The fungal isolates were identified by macroscopic and microscopic observation. Results: Analysis of the fungal concentration in the different types of environments revealed different levels of contamination. The fungal genus most commonly encountered was Aspergillus, followed by Penicillum and Curvularia species. Conclusions: The study detected a wide range of potentially pathogenic fungal isolates from the environment and from different areas of hospitals at a tertiary care centre. Among the preventive measures that should be considered are more frequent mechanical removal of dust, better cleaning and maintenance of air conditioners and other equipment that produce bio–aerosols, correction of room humidity, use of protective clothing by hospital personnel, and better staff training regarding the threats of infection by airborne microorganisms